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Edgley Concertinas
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Tell me about your concertinas.
 A: My concertinas are a source of pride for me. I use nothing but the best of all materials and supplies. The reeds, for example, are the best hand-made Antonelli reeds. Other makers may use Antonellis, but not all use this level of quality. The grills of my metal-ended models are solid German-silver, which are cut out by computer to ensure consistency. My wooden-ended models are laser cut from solid cherry. All reed chambers are fully gasketed to ensure an absolute air seal. The pads are the traditional style using soft leather and felt. The mechanism arms are made of solid stainless steel for durability. The body of the instrument is hand-finished to bring out the natural wood grain. No sprayed-on opaque finishes are used. In short, I make each instrument as if I were making it for myself.

Q: Why have the ends cut using a computer?
 A: It's a matter of practicality. I could hand cut them using either a jeweller's saw or fret saw, but that would take 1-2 days. This would add significantly to the cost without adding to the quality. This also insures a level of consistency.

Q: How long have you been involved with concertinas?
 A: I have played concertinas for over 20 years. In addition, I started to repair them about 18 or 19 years ago. As of this statement, I have been building them for about three years, and have produced around 40 instruments.

Q: How did you get started making concertinas?
 A: I have thought about doing it for quite some time, but until three years ago, the time wasn't right. Three years ago, I retired from my 32 year long career as a teacher, so time became available. In addition, I had met Harold Herrington years before at the North East Squeeze-in and again at the Willie Clancy week in Milltown Malbay, in Ireland. He was, at the time, in the process of designing and building an anglo concertina. We spent hours talking about his design, and showing it to various concertina notables, in Ireland. Years later, Harold invited me down to Dallas, Texas to show me his developments. During that week, I worked with Harold to become familiar with his design and construction techniques. Since then, hardly a week passes when we are not on the phone, or computer exchanging ideas. Whenever one of us develops a good idea, concept, or construction technique we share it with each other. That's not to say that we are making identical concertinas, as we each have our own way of doing things.

Q: What qualifies you to make concertinas?
 A: I have repaired concertinas for close to 20 years. During that time, I got a lot of experience tuning and seeing what the problems were with vintage instruments. I developed basic concepts as to what is essential in a good instrument. As far as wood working skills, I did spend some of my teaching career as a "shop teacher", where I taught wood working and metal working skills.
In addition, I am an experienced player. I have played for over 20 years, and at times at the competition level. I have won three Mid-West Comhaltas championships, and have competed three times at the All-Ireland level. I believe that being a competent player certainly helps in knowing what makes a good concertina, and how it should play. After I make each instrument, I usually play it for a while and bring it to a few sessions to make sure it can handle those fast reels and jigs. This ensures that every instrument I make is ready for the new owner. Sort of the ultimate in quality control.

Q: Are your instruments fast?
 A: There are two dimensions to a "fast" instrument. One is responsiveness of the reeds and the other is quickness of the action.
First the reeds: These are the very best hand-made Antonellis, the very same quality used in expensive button boxes. In addition, I have been working with the reed maker to produce a reed which responds more like a vintage concertina reed. Reed set is also an important consideration. With my 20 years of experience, I know just how the reeds must be set to get the optimum response. Add to that the absolute efficiency of each individual reed chamber make this instrument unsurpassed in this category.
The Action: The action is extremely fast and, just as important, it is very quiet. It will remain quiet and should not get noisier as it gets older as with many other concertinas that start to get annoying clacking sounds as the years go by. Four concertina notables have tried my concertinas. Chris Droney, Noel Hill, Tim Collins and Michael O'Rahilly have all played one of my concertinas and remarked on how fast and quiet these instruments are.
I recently received an e-mail from a customer in Ireland, who had just received his "Edgley" concertina. He is an experienced musician who plays a lot in sessions. He stated that he was delighted with the tone and the action was better than on his Jones and Jeffries concertinas.

Q: What about tone?
 A: They have a very pleasant tone. I can modify this to be bright or mellow, at the purchaser's request. Even though my concertinas start out with a great sound, like all concertinas, the tone continues to mellow and become richer as time passes and the instrument is played in. I have had the opportunity to track some of my early instruments and was gratified to hear how well they compared in tone to many expensive vintage instruments.

Q: How long would I have to wait for one of your concertinas?
 A: This varies, depending on the number of customers on the list. As you know, the "Edgley Concertina" is not factory-made or a production line instrument. Each instrument is hand-crafted, and completed, one at a time. This produces the best results and the best quality instrument. Orders are filled on a first-come, first-finished basis. However, most orders have been filled within 4-6 months.

Q: Do you require a deposit?
 A: Yes, I ask for a $200 US / $300 CDN deposit. This puts your order on the list. The balance is due when the instrument is finished. The deposit may be in the form of a personal cheque. Final payment should be in the form of a money order or bank draft.

Q: Does your concertina come with a case?
 A: There is a case available for an extra charge. Sean Fallon makes the cases for my instruments. They are the best concertina cases I have come across. Each one is fitted and blocked to your instrument and is very high quality. It also comes with a sturdy strap and clasps. When an instrument is purchased with a Fallon case, I supply it to the customer at my cost.

Q: If I have any questions, can I talk it over with you?
 A: Certainly! I would be happy to answer any questions about my concertinas, with no obligation. Phone me at (519)948-9149 or (519)991-3100 (cell).